Contact — David M. Ward, CFA®, CEPA
— Discovery Call

Let's find out if we're a fit.

A Discovery Call is 30 minutes. No pitch. I'll tell you what I see in your situation and what I'd prioritize — you decide if it makes sense to go further. I'm selective about who I work with, which means if I take the call, I think there's something worth discussing.


Before You Book

Who gets the most out of a call.

Not every situation is a good fit for the work I do. Here's an honest picture of who I tend to work with best — and who would probably be better served somewhere else.

Good fit for a Discovery Call
  • Business owners with $500K+ revenue thinking about an exit in the next 3–10 years — even if the timeline is still vague
  • Owners who want an honest look at what their business is actually worth to a buyer
  • Practice owners — medical, dental, legal, creative — with succession on the horizon
  • Business owners who've received unsolicited acquisition interest and aren't sure what to do with it
  • High-net-worth individuals who want a long-term strategic partner, not a transactional relationship
  • Anyone willing to hear a hard truth about where they actually stand — and do something about it
Probably not a fit
  • Looking for stock tips or investment product recommendations
  • Wanting validation for a decision you've already made
  • Not open to hearing a clear-eyed assessment of where things stand
  • Looking for a transactional relationship rather than a long-term strategic one

If that's you, no hard feelings. There are advisors better suited for that kind of work — and I'd rather tell you that upfront than waste both our time.

The conversation No pitch. No softening. Just an honest conversation.
What Happens on the Call

Here's exactly what to expect.

No surprises. No pitch. Here's how the 30 minutes will go — so you can show up prepared and get something useful out of it regardless of what we decide.

First 10 minutes

I learn about your situation

I'll ask about your business or financial situation, your timeline, and what you're ultimately trying to build toward. I want to understand both the financial picture and the personal one — what you're moving toward, not just what you're moving away from.

Middle 10 minutes

I tell you what I see

I'll share what stands out to me — a concentration risk, a valuation gap, a timeline issue, or a question worth thinking harder about. No softening, no sales setup. If I notice something worth paying attention to, I'll say it directly.

Final 10 minutes

We decide on next steps

At the end of 30 minutes you'll have a clear sense of whether there's a fit. If there is, I'll explain what working together looks like and what the next step would be. If there isn't, I'll tell you that too — and point you toward whoever would be a better fit.


Book Your Call

Choose a time that works for you.

Pick any available slot below. You'll get a confirmation email with a video link and two short questions to help me prepare for our conversation.


Other ways to reach David

Email david.ward@brooksidestrategy.com Phone (818) 429-7419 Office 1912 Amber Lane
Burbank, CA 91504
Response time Within one business day

Disclosures

Financial planning and Investment Advisory Services offered through Brookside Strategy and Consulting. Domiciled in California. CA Insurance Lic. # 0D36153.

All information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Customer Relationship Summary (Form CRS) →